About the Center

The Center for STEM Education has been created to improve education, career opportunities and literacy in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. It will enable Bradley to become a leader in the development of programs that challenge and advance the scholarship on the practice of learning and teaching in STEM fields and that provide education opportunities and training for the next generation of STEM educators, STEM professionals and STEM-literate citizens.

Objectives

The objectives of the Center for STEM Education are:

To design, seek resources for, and deliver programming to

enhance the preparation of P-20 STEM educators and administrators;

address the shortage of qualified educators in the STEM areas which threatens U.S. competitiveness in the global economy;

increase recruitment and retention and the preparation of students entering STEM fields;

increase recruitment and participation of groups historically under-represented in STEM areas, including women and minorities;

increase the scientific literacy of all Bradley students;

provide science education opportunities for all citizens.

To add to the knowledge base by disseminating research findings from projects in the Center regarding effective and best practices for the education and professional development of STEM educators and STEM practitioners.

To serve as an incubator and foster collaboration among scholars in all areas of STEM education research.

To provide opportunities to explore pedagogical approaches related to transdisciplinary, inquiry-based education using both on-site and distance delivery of instruction.

Mission

The Bradley University Center for STEM Education: Research, Teaching and Learning is dedicated to increasing STEM literacy and improving STEM education and career opportunities for all citizens.

Vision

The Center for STEM Education will enable Bradley University to become a leader in the development of programs that challenge and advance the scholarship on the practice of learning and teaching in STEM fields and that provide educational opportunities and training for the next generation of STEM educators, STEM professionals and STEM-literate citizens.